Geez...you'd think the chances of seeing an accident at Nationals would be very unlikely. Then I saw the BSL collision last year, and you describing your near miss this year. Having cars get released quickly (every 18 seconds) gives very little room for error. I'm glad that when I was starter last year (I was surprised I got that task as a Nationals rookie), I was able to release the cars properly in the rain (making sure that was fine with Course Control)...I was giving anywhere from 22-35 seconds depending on how much rain we were getting. When it got dry the next day, I was releasing cars the usual 18 seconds. I rarely heard from Course Control the two days, unless they had timing issues, or I called them to confirm (esp. the first day) how much time I should allow between cars.

CivicSiRacer, how did you do at Nationals this year? axemansean, sorry for hijacking your thread. At least you get some kind of an idea what Solo2 Nationals is like. To me, heaven was seeing acres of cars of all kinds sitting at the paddock, seeing the most challenging courses (times 2!) you'll see all year, and proving yourself against the best in the country.

 

Well with over 1100 people attending there's going to be problems. I heard about the accident last year.

Although the best of the best are supposed to be there, but I know alot of people who party the night before or don't get as much sleep as they should. Not a great combination.

I almost trophied. I was asked to drive a car I never drove before. I sat in it Monday, we put street tires on it Monday night and I drove around paddock. And raced Tuesday and Wednesday. I got 22nd in FSP, but would have gotten the last trophy spot if I didn't screw up my 1st day. I coned every run. I ended up in 32nd place. Then 2nd day the sky opened up and I'm used to driving in he rain being in PA. I moved up 10-11 spots. Looking at the times if you enter my raw time I would have gotten 12th.

The car was a 1995 Civic CX with update/backdate Civic DX engine in FSP. Reason for my cone problem was I was used to driving near the cones with my STS car. My tires are under the fenders. His car the tires stuck out like 2-4" on both sides!

There's always next year

 

its great to have another addicted autoxer among us now
may i suggest at your next event that you ride with someone else (if it is allowed) who is clearly better than you and has the same type of car. you can learn a lot from just being in the car with an expert.

 

I rode with the CSP winner in his Toyota MR2 and had him ride with me on one of my fun runs. The mall owners wanted us to leave by 4 so they really didn't get enough fun runs in.

 

We also have fun runs on Sunday. I'm pretty sure I'll be sticking around to test and tune my car. I'm trying to get my 16" wheel setup by Friday which is pushing it.

 

Werd. I miss being there this year. Besides, I gotta make the trip to "BD" and drink nectar out of "Team Blender" when it's all over.

Did he give you any good advice? I'd recommend having an experienced driver that drives in your same drive wheels (ie: FWD driver ride w/ FWD, or RWD w/ RWD, etc.), just because he can give you technique advice that are specific to you. Any pics of you autocrossing?

 

Team Blender is now Team Blaster Blender or Team Blender Blaster That thing is SO funny. It's a chainsaw powered blender

Didn't go to BDs. Something you leave behind you when you are married

 

One thing I noticed is that 90% of the people at an auto x are really friendly and helpful to the novices and everyone else in general. I actually improved 3/10 of a second from my fastest time thanks to his instructions. Like I said they really didn't get to do too many fun runs because the mall people wanted us out by 4PM.

 

Yeah we're like that. Most autocrossers would give you the time of day and them some unlike some drag racers

Actually at Nationals the one thing I saw is if one guy was having problems with his car everyone jumps in and helps. Not only people in your class but other competitors. It's simply amazing.

 

I noticed that too, its cool how strangers can meet up at an event and bond together. Everyone was competing against each other but they all helped if anyone needed help.

I am looking forward to meeting the famous Mike Louie. Can I get your autograph. h: